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August 16 - September 5, 2013

athensnowal.com E-MAIL: info@athensnowal.com ADVERTISING: 256-468-9425

See Our Listings Inside this edition... Pages 25 - 32

Special Feature

Citgo Touchless Five Minute Car Wash: “If It Don’t Shine, It Ain’t Mine... There has been an automated car wash located at the Citgo next to Shoney’s on Hwy 72 in Athens for nearly 19 years, and until late July it had been out of use for about 5 years... Page 5

Clean and Green Business Recycling: A Free Service Supporting Environmental Education... Owning a business means constantly looking at the bottom line and finding ways to reduce expenses. Recycling can help... Page 12

Click2Talk: Mobile Is King By Ali Elizabeth Turner Those of us who grew up on Star Trek are fully aware that when Captain Kirk said in his sonorous voice, “Computer, find….,” he was talking about what we now do on a daily basis when we talk to our smart phones. Three years ago Continued on pages 15

Labor Day Barrel Race

Horse Whispering

By Wayne Huff

The first Annual Honey Pot Summer 5D Jackpot will be held Labor Day, September 1, 2013. The crowd is expected to be large because the “Prize Pot” will be sizzling! The action will start at 2:00 pm at the Limestone Sheriff’s Rodeo Arena

The Last Dance... In the ordinary days of tender care and meaningful companionship, Arianna, my chestnut, Morgan mare, grew old.... Page 20

August 16 - September 5, 2013

Continued on page 17

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August 16 - September 5, 2013

Publisher’s Point

Explore, Serve, And “Build A Life”

Publisher / Editor Ali Turner

Sales / Editing Deborah Huff

Graphic Design

Jonathan Hamilton

Contributing Writers Shelley Underhill Lynne Hart Wanda Campbell Teresa Todd Will Anderson Janet Hunt Jerry Barksdale Oliver E Carlota, MD Jim Doyle Jackie Warner Deb Kitchenmaster Wayne Huff

Publisher’s Point . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 All Things Soldier . . . . . . . . 4 Special Feature . . . . . . . . . . 5 Calendar of Events . . . . . . . . 6 Tourism . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-9 What Makes Ronnie Roll . . . 10 Clean and Green . . . . . . . . 12

This week, “information ships needs to essentially and inspiration,” the subti- do two things: explore the tle of our little “shopper’s needs of the person with paper with substance,” the right heart, and then Athens Now, came to me serve them. from two sources, one of which was completely unexpected. Let me tell you about the first source, Carrie Radnov, who was the expected one. She is a veritable fount of wisdom, humor, godliness and a savvy business woman. In the parlance of the direct marketing business, she is my “upline National Marketing Director.” This is a fancy term for my mentor and coach in Carrie Radnov the Juice Plus business, my other passion in addition to Athens Now. Anyone who Every week we have two knows me knows calls, an individual coach- I am all about ing and prayer call, and a shorthand, and team call. Our Juice Plus this phrase, team name is Team Agape, which actually and our calls are one of was brought to the many high points of our team by a my week. Carrie recently member who is purchased a domain enti- a teacher, is my tled exploreandserve.com, new battle cry. and the purpose of the site I choose afresh she is going to build is to to explore rathset forth the philosophy er than assume, that anyone who is going and then will do to be successful in their my best to serve. career, at home, in busi- Carrie has been coaching ness, ministry, or relation- me for ten years now, and

I look forward to many more. The second source of inspiration, the unexpected one, came from someone I do not know, and don’t particularly care for. His name is Ashton Kutcher. He is portraying the late and controversial founder of Apple Computers, Steve Jobs, in a movie that comes out today entitled simply, Jobs. A few days ago he made a speech to some teenagers, and spoke a phrase which sets forth

Learning As A Lifestyle . . . . . . 14 Cover Stories . . . . . . . . . 15 & 17 Health and Fitness . . . . . . 18 World According To Will . . 19 Horse Whispering . . . . . . . 20 The View From The Bridge . . 21

another challenge. said, in part:

Medical Update . . . . . . . . 22 Security Savvy . . . . . . . . 23 Jerry’s Journal . . . . . . . 24

August 16 - September 5, 2013

I have a “Steve” in my life who has truly helped me to build mine, and that’s my husband. He has handed me “brick after brick” of challenges, opportunities and a new perspective on a kazillion things, and is the love of my life. He recently said the following, as a result of Mr. Kutcher’s musings, and it will serve to finish off this piece: “I spent all my life living my life. Now I am ready to build it.” How about you? Will you live

Ashton Kutcher

“You can build your own things; you can build your own life. So build the life, don’t live one. Build one. Find your opportunities. And always be sexy.” (He did say that “smart is the new sexy, and seeing as this is my 60th year of life on this earth, I think it’s smarter to endeavor

Cooking with Shelley . . . . . . 13

to live smart rather than worry about being sexy, whatever that is.)

a life, or build one? And if you explore, will you then serve?

Ali Elizabeth Turner Athens Now Information & Inspiration 256-468-9425 ali@athensnowal.com Website: www.athensnowal.com

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All Things Soldier

Was The Fort Hood Massacre A Case Of “Workplace Violence?” by Ali Elizabeth Turner

I have commented on several occasions on the Ft. Hood massacre, and wish I had the space in this edition to publish my other articles in order to do a decent job with the back story. The short version is this: people I served and served with in Iraq were there, (thankfully next door,) were pinned down inside while the wounded starting falling in the doors to escape the carnage, my friends had to stay there for hours while the MPs searched for other shooters, and I got to talk to them nearly in real time and extensively face to face later. It was a day I’ll never forget. My relief that no one that I love was harmed, (at least physically) continues

to be palpable, as does my outrage over the Commander-in-Chief referring to the massacre as an example of “workplace violence.” Now we are nearing the end of the trial, of Major Nidal Hasan, and not surprising-

ly, it is virtually a media non-event. The evil delusions of jihadist thinking are dismissed essentially by what has not been said, save for the surprising op-ed set forth by ABC News:

John Wade Keyes DAR Hosts A Celebration of Our Constitution SAVE THE DATE! September 19th at 1:30 P.M. Alabama Veterans Museum 100 Pryor Street, Athens AL Special Guest Speaker Major General Chris Anzalone, USAF ( Ret) Join us at The Alabama Veterans Museum in Athens, AL and hear General Anzalone discuss, ‘What We Fight For...To Defend The Constitution.’ The General has a long and distinguished military career. He served as Deputy for Test, Integration and Fielding, Missile Defense Agency, Huntsville, Alabama. His commands include a flying squadron, mission support group and an air base wing. He conducted joint war planning for contingency operations supporting the Global War on Terrorism while serving on the Joint Staff. The General was the joint planner for the Directorate for Operational Plans and Interoperability, Assistant Deputy Director of Political-Military Affairs for the Western Hemisphere, and the executive officer to the Director, Strategic Plans and Policy. The General has served as Vice Commander of the Air Armament Center in Florida, and Warner Robins Air Logistics Center in Georgia. Since his retirement in 2009, General Anzalone served as President of L-3/Coleman Aerospace and is now an Executive Consultant in Huntsville, AL. He is a devoted husband, father, public speaker, and patriot. Enjoy patriotic music, an inspiring message, and a delicious dessert reception as we honor The Constitution at The Alabama Veterans Museum on September 19, 2013.

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A long-serving Pennsylvania Democrat has joined Republican colleagues to ask Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel to overturn the “indefensible” decision by the military to designate the Fort Hood massacre “workplace violence” rather than terrorism.

“political sensitivities” regarding the alleged shooter, Maj. Nidal Hasan’s “extremist” Muslim beliefs prevented the FBI from properly investigating Hasan before the attack, despite evidence he was in communication with high-profile al Qaeda cleric Anwar al-Awlaki.

“This

has

Pulling more information from Athens Now, dated February 17, 2011, “On February 12, 2011, the United States Senate issued a report implicating the FBI and the DOD in their naive, politically correct handling and willful ignorance of an abundance of warning signs regarding the perpetrator of the attacks on Ft. Hood.

since resulted in an embarrassing lack of care and treatment by our military for the victims and their families.”

So, here we have an interesting dilemma. The Senate has implicated both the FBI and the DOD, and elucidated the fact that the spinelessness of political correctness inadvertently kills, and the President has thrown the attack into the same category as someone “going postal.” (My most profound apologies to the hard working civil servants at the USPS, whose raging co-workers’ rampages have coined an unfortunate term.) The only prayer we will have is that thankfully this is a military trial, and that they will hopefully uphold the Uniform Code of Military Justice, and find Hasan guilty of fratricide as well as treason. Then, my fond hope is that he won’t be sentenced to death, (which is what he wants,) but that he’ll live out his days in prison. That will keep the promise of the 72 virgins just out of reach for all eternity, because the only way to get that “perk” is to die for jihad.

designation

In the letter, the lawmakers blame “considerations of ‘political correctness’” not only for the “workplace violence” designation, but for allowing the attack to unfold in the first place. In a statement to ABC News, Congressman Wolf said, “I believe more members of Congress, on both sides of the aisle, are coming to realize how poorly the Obama Administration has treated families of the victims and the survivors of the Ft. Hood terrorist attack over the last four years.” Thirteen people were killed, including a pregnant soldier, and 32 others wounded in the Nov. 5, 2009 rampage at the Army base in Killeen, Texas. The new letter alleges

August 16 - September 5, 2013

Special Feature

Citgo Touchless Five Minute Car Wash: “If It Don’t Shine, It Ain’t Mine”

by Ali Elizabeth Turner

There has been an automated car wash located at the Citgo next to Shoney’s on Hwy 72 in Athens for nearly 19 years, and until late July it had been out of use for about 5 years. Thanks to the hard work of Charles Moore, the car wash is back in business, and I am one happy customer. But before I tell you about the great touchless car wash you can get beginning at $4.95, let me tell you a bit about Charles, and why I think you can trust your car to his capable and hard working hands. Charles called me about advertising in Athens Now, and I went to visit his newest site to discuss with him how we could best meet his advertising needs. While we were chatting, a young married woman with two beautiful small girls managed to pull her car into the parking lot of the gas station, and then her car just died in the lane that led to the car wash. She was understandably upset, as she had been on her way to an interview at her girls’ pre-school, and was going to miss her appointment. Charles to the rescue! He tried everything to get the car to work, determined it was the alternator, cheerfully pushed

was just SOP, Standard Operating Procedure for all clients. Come to find out, it is. When another client came through, he gave that SUV the same care he gave mine. Getting people’s cars clean is something that just makes the guy’s day, and he truly does not mind getting drenched in the process! Charles is a welder by trade, but owns 17 touchless system car washes throughout Alabama and Tennessee. They are in such locations as Enterprise, Tuscaloosa, Dothan, Nashville, and more. Having a clean, well cared for car with a good coat of wax on it has always been important to Charles, and his motto is, “If it don’t shine, it ain’t mine!” As I have often said, one of

Charles Moore hard at work the car over to the side, and we were able to make arrangements for her and her girls to get home safely. Then, the weather turned ugly, I was no longer able to sit outside and take notes, and came back to finish the interview later. I planned to run my car through, and thought he would just quickly go over the worst of the dirt by hand, and then let the touchless system “do its thing.” Wrong. He went

over every square inch of that car while getting soaked by the storm, and acted like that

the things I love about my job is the education I receive on a number of topics, and I learned all about the advantages of the touchless system. I learned that going through a car wash that uses brushes, puts the dirt back on, and can scratch the finish. Charles has always used touchless systems made in America by Mark 7, and each one costs 100K to install, not exactly a small investment. For $4.95, you get the following: an intense 5 minute “human” car wash done by Charles, and then a 5 minute run through the touchless system that includes foam wash,

August 16 - September 5, 2013

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undercarriage cleaning and a clear coat of wax. This constitutes about 85% of his business throughout his other locations. “It makes it affordable, and people can come through 3 times a week, keeping their car shiny.” If you wish, you can upgrade to the $19.95 car wash, in which Charles fully washes the car, the touchless system fully washes and waxes the car, the car is dried off, and then another coat of wax is applied by hand. There was a truck that had just gone through that process, and it was truly glistening. There is a vacuum available at no charge to the customer, and with no timer to make you scramble to finish. So, for a more than reasonable price, you can get your car looking good and keep it that way for around five dollars of your money and a few minutes of your time, (plus a bit more for vacuuming,) or you can spend twenty of your dollars and minutes, and get a custom, state of the art car wash and wax for a fraction of the normal cost. It’s your choice, and either way, your smile will shine along with your car. Charles will be ready to serve you from 7am to 7pm, Monday through Saturday, and 8-5:30 on Sunday, so head on over to Citgo Touchless Car Wash at 1404 US Hwy 72 in Athens, and make his day. Oh, by the way, Charles also does pick up and delivery, so, why are you waiting? Go check it out!

Citgo Touchless Car Wash 1404 US Hwy 72 E Athens, AL 35611 256-221-5354 Mon-Sat 7 am-7pm, Sun 8-5:30

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Calendar of Events Midnight Madness day/night disc golf tournament Aug 17 at 5:30 PM

The Athens State University Alumni Association announces this event benefiting the American Cancer Society. Registration begins at 4:30 PM., a players meeting at 5:20 PM., and the day round will begin at 5:30 PM. The tournament will be held on the disc golf course located near the Athens State University Library. There will be five divisions including an open category, women’s category, advanced/ intermediate, recreational, and novice/junior categories. $30 entry fee will include a large player’s pack for all players including CRF Champion Glo Disc, LED and batteries for three discs, a golf towel, hiking socks, and snacks between rounds. Each round will also be offered a custom dyed trophy disc. Contact Bill Bullington from at 256-990-1254 or by email: Bill_Bullington@yahoo.com.

Athens-Limestone Hospital Foundation Luncheon August 21st 11:45AM

Held at the Limestone County Event Center on 114 W. Pryor Street. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased online at www.alhfevents. org or call 256-233-9236. Mail check to 100 Sanders Street, Athens, AL. 35611. Guest speakers will be AJH Chief Nursing Officer, Jan Lenz and Lori King-Taylor, M.Ed, Principle Consultant, Trinity Performance Soulutions.

Summer Art Strolls in Athens Aug 23 at 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Over 20 visual artists including painters, photographers, ceramicists, potters, jewelers, mixed media artists, clothing designers, and more will be at the Limestone County Courthouse lawn on the Square. There will be live music and children’s activities. Enjoy great restaurants and old fashioned ice cream in our own downtown. Art. Experience it. Own it. For More information, contact Athens Arts League at athensartsleague@gmail.com.

Athens State Zumba Fundraiser to Benefit Newly Formed Charity Aug 24 at 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM

A Zumba fundraiser will take place in the Ballroom of the Sandridge Student Center at Athens State University. No reservation is necessary. The proceeds from this event will benefit a newly formed charity, Sarah’s Helping Hands. The cost for admission to the Zumba Event is $10 per person. Refreshments, door prizes, and a silent auction will be included. The silent auction items range from gift baskets by Avon and Pimentos of Athens to hair and beauty products as well as a ThirtyOne bag and a haircut and style by Lindsey Rosson of Escape Spa. If you would like to help with this event or would like more information, contact Hannah Esch at (256) 749-5485 or hesch1@my.athens.edu.

Ladies’ Tea and Fashion Show at Creekside Plantation Aug 25 from 2-4PM

Chapter Z P.E.O. is a Philanthropic Education Organization which provides scholarships, grants and low interest loans for women’s

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education. We are having a fund raiser Tea and Fashion Show on Sunday, August 25 from 2-4 pm at the historic Creekside Plantation in Mooresville, AL. The Sub Deb sorority at Athens High School will be assisting as servers for a service project. We would love to have you attend and wear your favorite Hat! The tickets are $20.00 each. Call Holly Carpenter 256-479-1429

4-man Scramble Golf Tournament Aug 29

Friends to Elect ERIC SMITH SHERIFF is hosting a 4-man Scramble Golf Tournament on Aug 29th at Southern Gayles Golf Course. Tee off time is set for 1pm. There will be cash payoffs for the top 3 places, prizes for the longest drive, and closest to the pin on par 3’s. There will also be drawings for door prizes & there will be a final drawing giveaway for a 3 day trip to Gatlingburg, TN at a Smoky Mtn Resort. Cost is $65 a person & players can purchase a mulligan for $5. There will be a limit of number of teams so get your team together & register to play. For more information, email ericsmith4sheriff@gmail.com or mail Friends to elect ERIC SMITH , P.O. Box 1470, Athens, AL 35612.

Ardmore Crape Myrtle Festival Aug 31

It’s time for arts and crafts, delicious festival food and live entertainment. The festival is held at the Ardmore, TN John Barnes Park located on Ardmore Ridge Road. Contact: Linda at 256-4238252, ardmorealtnchamber.org. Free admission.

Class Reunion Fundraiser Friday, Sept 6

Class Reunion Fundraiser to be held at the AHS Football Game

Swamp John’s is coming to Limestone County Sept 8 at 11:30AM

ROUND ISLAND BAPTIST CHURCH 14790 Brownsferry Road, Athens FISH, CHICKEN or SHRIMP (choose two meats). Menu also includes French Fries, Cole Slaw, Hushpuppies, Dessert, Sweet or Unsweetened Tea. Eat-in or Carry-out at $10.00 per plate GOOD FOOD – EXCELLENT PRICE

The Heritage Children’s Chorale of the South Auditions Monday, Sept 9 from 4:30-6:00PM

Open Auditions for boys and girls age 8-18 years for The Heritage Children’s Chorale of the South. Auditions held at First United Methodist Church, 208 W Hobbs, Athens. No prepared selection required for audition. The Heritage Children’s Chorale is now in its 26th season; a professional children’s choir offering quality music education to thousands of children between ages 8 to 18. Directed by Mary Stephenson. The Chorale studies a variety of music styles ranging from classical to contemporary, including jazz, folk songs and spirituals. The Yearly tuition is $150. For more information, contact Mary Stephenson at 256-233-0433 or marypstep@gmail.com.

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August 16 - September 5, 2013

HAV E YOU SEEN IT?

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Tourism

Tourism Is Promoting Travelers To Athens, AL! by Teresa Todd, President, Athens-Limestone County Tourism Association

August 4th through August 9th, 2013, Alabama Veterans’ Museum Director, Sandy Thompson, and I attended Marketing College in Dahlonega, Georgia. We had 6 fantastic days of training and some great experiences.

had the pleasure of taking in the ever-impressive view of the Blue Ridge Mountains about which the late John Denver spoke so eloquently. Before we said goodbye to the beautiful town of Dahl-

Wright Tilley Event and Festival class

experience a broadbased curriculum of courses designed to teach marketing techniques from all facets of the tourism industry. Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association grantJudy Randell

with our new found tourism companions. We dined at unique and colorful restaurants, shopped the downtown square, and enjoyed their stunning mountain scenery. Their gracious hospitality was very impressive. One week each year, tourism industry profession-

Classes were held from 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM at the beautiful North Georgia College & State University. The top- Steve Morse Ecnomic Impact class ics ranged from Public Relations, onega, we were inResearch, Branding, vited to a picnic at Brochures, and So- a massive 800 acre cial Media Integra- estate, and mingled tion, to Festival & Event Planning, and even Highlighting Top Trends in Travel View from balcony & Tourism. of the wine trail But as expected, it wasn’t all work! On our als from the Southfirst night, we east meet at the embarked on a University of North secluded walk Georgia for the to the local Southeast Tourism wine trails for Society Marketing a fabulous dinWine Trail College. Students ner, where we Page 8

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Fun at the Picnic

ed Sandy and me scholarships for this ongoing education. In two years we will receive our certification as a TMP - Travel Marketing Professional. Thanks to Tami Reist and Dana Lee Jennings of AMLA for this opportunity to continue our training, and this unforgettable experience. Till next year! Take a look at what’s coming up the next couple of weeks:

Singing on the Square, sponsored by Champion Chevrolet on Aug 16 at 6:00 PM, will feature the Athens State Community Band. Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy this free concert. Call 256-232-5411. Midnight Madness - day/night disc golf tournament Aug 17 at 5:30 PM – Sponsored by the Athens State University Alumni

Downtown Shops

Association, benefitting the American Cancer Society. Contact 256-990-1254 or Bill_Bullington@ yahoo.com.

August 16 - September 5, 2013

Tourism (continued) Athens-Limestone Hospital Foundation Luncheon on August 21st at 11:45 AM at the Limestone County Event Center. Purchase your tickets online at www.alhfevents. org, or call 256-2339236. Summer Art Strolls in Athens Aug 23 from 4:00PM – 8:00PM. Over 20 visual artists on the Courthouse Lawn on The Square. Contact athensartsleague@ gmail.com. Miss Crape Myrtle Pageants - Aug 23 - Young ladies ages 1 day - 19 years and gentlemen 1 day 5 years are invited to participate at the Ardmore, TN Annex building. www. ardmorealtnchamber.org or call Tonya 256-777-6621. Athens State Zumba Fundraiser Aug 24 at 9:30AM – 11:00AM in the

ballroom of Sandridge Student Center at ASU for $10 per person. The proceeds benefit Sarah’s Helping Hands. Contact Hannah (256) 749-5485 or hesch1@my.athens. edu. Ladies’ Tea and Fashion Show at Creekside Plantation Aug 25 from 2:00 – 4:00 PM in Mooresville, AL. Tickets are $20. Call Holly Carpenter at 256-479-1429. Ardmore Crape Myrtle Festival on Aug 31 is held at the Ardmore, TN John Barnes Park located on Ardmore Ridge Road. Alabama Veterans Museum Coffee Call Sep 7 at 8:00 AM. Contact Sandy at 256-771-7578. Athens Cruise In on the Square, Sep 7 from 3:00 -8:00 PM. Contact Tom at 256-457-9179.

Complete Property Maintenance, LLC

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adam@completepropertymaintenance.org Facebook: www.facebook.com/Complete PM LLC Twitter: /@ CPM_LLC August 16 - September 5, 2013

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What Makes Ronnie Roll

“If You Can Read, Thank A Teacher And A Vet”

by Ali Elizabeth Turner On Monday, August 12th, Mayor Ronnie had the privilege of being invited to the Change of Command ceremony held at 0900 hrs at Redstone Arsenal. Lt General Richard P. Formica, who assumed command in December of 2010 is retiring, and moving to Virginia with his wife, Diane. His success is legendary, in that he started out in ROTC, and worked his way all the up to being a 3 star. “That is rare,” Mayor Ronnie told me. General Formica has spoken at the Vets’ Museum, has ridden in Athens parades, has spoken at the Limestone County Event Center, has made no apologies for how much he loves our town, and we are all sorry to see him go. He is going to be working with nonprofit organizations, and

Diane is going to be returning to the classroom after a significant hiatus. The General honored his wife and all teachers by telling them that as far as he is concerned, they are the ones “with boots on the ground” when it comes to scrapping for our culture by fighting for our kids’ education. General Formica also talked about how our children and grandchildren are standing on our shoulders, teachers and parents alike. We must ask ourselves, what are we doing as “the adults in the room” to strengthen our shoulders, figuratively speaking? Please see Jackie Warner’s article on Homework for

“roll three jobs into one.” Terry Roller is the New Public Relations director for our city schools, and Mayor Ronnie, who is a former teacher himself, is excited about what they will bring to our city and its students.

U.S. Army Lt. General Richard P. Formica, (Ret.) some ideas on how to be “boots on the ground” as a parent, and assist our dedicated teachers in their mission regarding our children’s successful school year. After the COC ceremony, Mayor Ronnie visited our teachers who were having an in service day, preparing for the start of school on August 19th.

“They were fired up,” he told me, and it was clear that the morning had been most energizing for all. Our local school system has some new faces, with some changes in the “org (organizational) chart.” Trey Holiday is the new Athens Public Schools Superintendant, and, according to the Mayor, has managed to

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He went on to tell me about the “Power Up” program, which is a program approved by the City Council that will utilize a total of $800K from the 1 cent tax increase passed last year to purchase computers for schools and tablets for teachers to use to better prepare their students to be competitive in the 21st Century.

Before we prayed, as we always do at the end of each interview, we talked about the fact that we owe our teachers and vets, big time. It is incontrovertible that if we can read, we need to thank our vets who have fought for us to have the freedom to do so, and we need to thank our teachers who have been “boots on” while slugging it out in the “Field of Phonics,” and elsewhere. May the school year be a blessing for all, and may we all “roll” with Ronnie in supporting our vets, our teachers and our kids. Athens depends on it.

August 16 - September 5, 2013

The Heritage Children's Chorale of the South

A 50 voice professional children's choir made up of young people between the ages of 8 and 18

The Chorale, now beginning its 25th season,

PROUDLY ANNOUNCES

OPEN AUDITIONS for the 2013 Fall Season.

Founded and directed by Mary Stephenson, HCC consists of two chapters; The Alabama Chapter which rehearses each Monday in Athens, Alabama and The Tennessee Chapter which rehearses each Tuesday in Pulaski, Tennessee. The two chapters come together to present several concerts each year. In addition to area performances, The Heritage Children's Chorale has traveled extensively throughout the United States and has been invited to perform in various places outside the United States.

Audition Dates:

Pulaski, Tennessee - Tuesday, September 3, 2013 - 4:30 PM First Presbyterian Church - 202 South Second Street, Pulaski, TN Athens, Alabama - Monday, September 9, 2013- 4:30 PM First United Methodist Church - 208 West Hobbs Street, Athens, AL For more information contact Mary Stephenson, 256-233-0433 marypstep@gmail.com August 16 - September 5, 2013

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Clean and Green

Business Recycling: A Free Service Supporting Environmental Education by Lynne Hart Owning a business means constantly looking at the bottom line and finding ways to reduce expenses. Recycling can help! Think about how much cardboard comes through most businesses with the constant delivery of supplies. Those materials take up a lot of space in trash dumpsters. What if the size of the dumpster or the number of times each month it is serviced could be reduced? Recycling cardboard and other materials may allow a business to reduce dumpster expenses. The Athens-Limestone Recycling Center will be happy to set up any business in Athens and Limestone County with free cardboard recycling pick-

up service. Recycling Locally Supports Environmental Education The Athens-Limestone Recycling Center is a non-profit facility that is part of the Keep Athens-Limestone Beautiful organization. Cardboard is our biggest revenue producer. The money raised through the sale of cardboard helps to fund the environmental education programs that we take into our city, county, and private schools. It also provides local jobs. Our education programs cover subjects such as litter, recycling, clean air and water, trees and forests, Ala-

bama wildlife, and much more. KALB has a strong

presence in the community and in our schools, and recycling your cardboard locally will allow us to continue offering these and other programs such as KALBâ€™s annual Earth Day Celebration. It is our hope to begin development of after-school and summer environmental programs that will bring

our students out of the classroom and away from TVs and electronic gadgets to discover the beauty and wonder of nature. If you are interested in recycling cardboard at your business, please call your local non-profit recycling center at 256-233-8746. It is our pleasure to serve our community.

Become a Fan

(256) 233-8728 KeepALBeautiful@att.net

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August 16 - September 5, 2013

Cooking with Shelley

Easy Collard Greens by Shelley Underhill

Thereâ€™s nothing like a good batch of greens. I tend to cook them all the same way. Turnip, collard or mustard greens...I like them all the

same. If you are looking for an easy recipe, here you go! Contact me with your questions and recipes at shelleysdesk@gmail.com.

What you will need: 10 slices of bacon fried and cut into pieces 1 onion - chopped 1 stick real butter 3 cups water 2 & 1/2 pounds collards cleaned and stripped (stems removed) salt to taste Cook bacon on medium heat until crispy, add onion to bacon and cook until onion is very tender. Add water and let simmer about 5 minutes. Add collards and let cook about 30 minutes. (You can add Tonyâ€™s or pepper sauce to taste.) Enjoy!

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Learning As A Lifestyle

End Of Summer Exhibits At The Center For Lifelong Learning by Wanda Campbell The Center for Lifelong Learning will be open this Friday, August 16, during the Summer Art Stroll and Singing on the Square. During the summer months, there are pretty exciting happenings on our Courthouse Square on a regular basis. Also on Friday an exhibit of several bronze statues is opening at the Center, and I am sure you will want to come by to see those. If you cannot make it to the events this Friday, the bronzes will be on display for a couple of weeks. Our Undergrounds Coffee Shop will be open for the Art Stroll and Singing on the Square. The Coffee Shop will have our special lemonade and tropical punch slushes. Remem-

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ber, this summer we also have the brownie sundae made with a brownie, ice cream, whipped cream and chocolate syrup. And we have a latte float with a latte coffee and ice cream, whipped cream and chocolate syrup. Yum! “The Many Faces of George Washington,” a national traveling exhibition that examines the multi-dimensional, real-life man behind the myth, opens at the Athens State University Center for Lifelong Learning on September 16, 2013 for six weeks. Produced by George Washington’s home, Mount Vernon, in conjunction with the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, this exhibition presents the many

Wise Decision Maker, Impassioned Learner, Visionary Entrepreneur, and At Home at Mount Vernon. The exhibition has been made possible by a generous grant from the F.M. Kirby Foundation.

different facets of Washington’s leadership through dazzling color graphics of paintings, photographs,

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and iconic objects from the Mount Vernon collections. “The Many Faces of George Washington” looks at Washington’s leadership in the exhibition’s seven sections: Virginia Childhood, Risk Taker, Realistic Visionary,

George Washington was the first American president, commander of the Continental Army, president of the Constitutional Convention, and gentleman planter, according to the information provided by Mount Vernon. The historical information provided says that Washington was passionate about farming and was innovative in breeding livestock, experimenting with crop rotation. He opened a grist mill, distillery, and commercial fishery.

This exhibit is something you will not want to miss. Mark your calendars today for a trip in to see it.

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Cover Story

Click2Talk: Mobile Is King

by Ali Elizabeth Turner

continued from page 1

most of us didn’t know what a QR code was, and now we can hardly live without scanning one. Thankfully, 72 year old Teddy Wolcott, (who has been involved with computers since mainframes took up whole buildings,) is offering an affordable way to make our smartphones even “smarter” by the utilization of mobile websites. Before we talk about what mobile websites are and do, we need to honestly look at whether or not business people, (even those who have home based businesses) need them, or is this just the newest trend and toy. To answer that question, one must take a look back to the mid-‘90s when the idea of having a computer based website was being debated. Many people back then thought it was just a luxury, and maybe only attractive to “technoids,” and now you are suspect as a business owner if you don’t have your own domain. Truth is, people often check you out online, and THEN decide if they want to actually, physically come to your place of business to do business. It is just expected. In a word, that is what is happening with people who used to do business in a coffee shop by whipping out their laptop, and now they use either their phone or tablet. But, what are the statistics? According to Tom Sullivan of Earthlink’s business blog, dated March 25th of this year, here is a breakdown of mobile

website/app usage: •96% of smartphone users have researched a product or service on their device •94% of smartphone users look for local information on their phone •90% purchase, contact the business or take another action after local research •66% access the Internet every day on their smartphone

on their smartphone and then purchased the product offline What does that mean to business owners, and how can Teddy help? Well, if you are a Real Estate agent, for example, for $100 dollars, Teddy can quickly set up your smartphone mobile website so that you can have your agent picture and 6 pictures of your listings

formatted so that all that an interested potential buyer needs to do is scan your QR (quick response) code, and then tap their phone to call the agent. The “tap code” is then saved on the desktop of the smartphone. Members of the Troy Elmore Realty team, such as Tammy Pressnell, Marie Eubanks and Troy himself are utilizing mobile sites in their line of work. Other Athens Now clients who have also used Teddy’s expertise are Dr. Lori White of Village Veterinarian, Caren Sample of The Bakery At Elkmont, and the list is growing every day. Recently Teddy told me, “Mobile website designs can cost hundreds, and I can

do the job that will meet the need for a hundred bucks.” Teddy has clients all over America, from coast to coast. She is in charge of Athens Now’s beautiful online version of the paper, which can be found at www. athensnowal.com, and I can say as a satisfied customer that she is quick, thorough, reasonable, and I get compliments on the website all the time. For your hundred bucks, here’s the line up of what you get, and your options: •A total of six pictures •The tap-to-call feature •The option to change up without having to start over from scratch, with a major change made to the site for $25 •The option to change out individual pictures at any time for $5 each, with the customer selecting and sending electronic images And the best part of all? You get Teddy! I am no geek, half the time I have no idea what she is talking about, and she looks at me like my current status as a member of the 21st century Athens business community should be brought into question because of the glazed look in my eyes. But I will tell you this: I am going to get me one of these mobile sites asap, and suggest you do the same. You can find Teddy at: www.click2talk.mobi 256-729-0916

•57% search on their smartphones every day •37% have researched on their smartphone and then purchased on a computer •35% have made a purchase on their phone •32% have researched

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Cover Story

Labor Day Barrel Race continued from page 1

just bring your horse and forget your saddle. That’s right cowboys and cowgirls, this is a $100 water balloon fight that will be conducted on a bareback horse! Sound like fun? Then come on out to the Sheriff’s Rodeo Arena and see how it works out for you.

in Athens, AL. The age groups will range from under 12 years old to, well let’s just say maturity will not prohibit your participation. Barrel Racing is a sport where the competitors train for hours upon hours in hopes that their racing time is less than 15 seconds. In the Rodeo world, the competition is exclusively reserved for the girls, but outside the Rodeo world the competition is open to male and female alike. In my opinion, one of the best things about barrel racing is the community that it has created. The barrel racing community is one of the most family friendly environments that I have ever been around and it is not unusual to see a family of four and 2-4 members of the family are involved in racing at the same event. Every barrel race is a great opportunity to learn together as a family, and many times just sitting and watching how different riders interact with their horse is an education beyond what words can describe. There are experts and there are novices, and the barrel racing community is quick to embrace any novice that is willing to learn. When you show up to any barrel race where 100-200 horses are competing, you can rest assured that the years of experience that reside inside the arena area are many, and the knowledge that is represented is vast.

by Wayne Huff Contact the following for registration information: Andy Blalock, 931-7220968, Stephanie Lester, 256-874-0246, Lindsey Calton, 931-332-4956, or Kelli Bullion James, 256221-8704. See you at the Honey Pot Summer 5D Jackpot!

Andy Blalock

This Labor Day is the first annual Honey Pot Summer 5D Jackpot. The race is being hosted by three Athens locals, Stephanie Lester, Andy Blalock, and Kellie James. Stephanie is no stranger to the Sheriff’s Arena. She has been barrel racing at this arena since she was 9 years old. She has a wealth of information, and is a major inspiration for the young barrel racers. Stephanie trains horses as well as riders, and within the next month or two you will be able to board your horse at her new barn. This is a girl that loves her barrel racing. Andy is co-owner of Grassland Farms, located on Airport Rd, just minutes north of downtown Athens. Andy also trains horses, gives riding lessons, and offers horse boarding. Athens is blessed to have

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young entrepreneurial minded talent like Stephanie and Andy. It takes a lot of work to put on an event like a barrel race. This particular barrel race will have $2000 added to the prize money. There will be 5 Trophy Buckets and 7 events, with one water balloon fight!

Stephanie Lester

The events will be as follows: 2 pm - Exhibition Barrels: $5 each. 6:30 pm – 2D Pee Wee Barrels (12 and under) $40. Open 5D Barrels $2000 added: $50. 2D Futurity Side Pot (1 second split) $25. 5D Youth Side Pot (18 and under) $20. 5D Adult Side Pot (19 and over) $20. Open 5D Barrel Insurance $5 per horse. Water Balloon Fight! Does this sound refreshing? Well if you want to be in the most awesome water balloon fight in Limestone County on Labor Day, then

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Health and Fitness

How Much Protein Is Enough? by Janet Hunt Janet Hunt is a Certified Personal Trainer and can be reached at 256-614-3530 to schedule an appointment. Most people in the U.S. get more than enough protein each day, and probably get too much from meat, poultry, and eggs. Extra protein will not help build more muscle or make a person stronger. And it is likely, if you are eating too much protein, you are eating more calories and fat than your body needs. Most adults in the U.S. need 10% to 35% of their day’s calories from protein or 0.8 grams (g) of protein per kilogram of body weight. (2.2lbs = 1kg). For example, a 130 lb woman needs about 50g of protein and a 175lb man needs about 65g. It’s not hard to get this amount if you eat two to three servings of protein-

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recommended that pregnant women increase their protein intake by 10g and breastfeeding women by 20g.

rich foods a day. Below are some food examples and protein values: • A small 3-ounce piece of meat (size of a deck of cards) has about 21 grams of protein. • One 8-ounce container of yogurt has about 11 grams of protein.

• One cup of milk has 8 grams of protein. • One cup of dry beans has about 16 grams of protein. Special Groups There are people who need to pay more attention to their protein requirements:

Athletes. Most sports involve physically breaking down muscle during the activity and repairing it afterward. So the protein needs of active people are influenced by the length, frequency, and intensity of their workouts. Endurance athletes such as marathoners need about 50% more protein than a sedentary person and body builders might need twice as much protein as a sedentary person.

Most of us do not fit into these categories.

Dieters. A little extra protein may help you maintain lean muscle mass. Protein also tends to be more filling, therefore making it easier to stick with a weight-loss program. Just keep an eye on the calories and portion sizes of your protein choices.

Vegetarians and Vegans. A little extra planning may be required to make sure you get the protein required.

For more details regarding nutrition and diet, talk to a registered dietitian or certified Health Coach.

Pregnant and breastfeeding women. Usually it is

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August 16 - September 5, 2013

Like me on

The World According To Will

The Will Anderson Show M-F 6pm-8pm on 800 and 1230AM and 106.5FM WBHP

On Race

We were told that race wouldn’t be a factor in the 2008 election— that Senator Obama was a different sort of Presidential candidate who transcended race, and whose policies didn’t matter, because he was a uniter. Somehow, using the best intentions chimerical utopianism could provide would work on all fronts. It turns out that those of us who bought into that were wrong. Race indeed, determined the election, and it’s now determining policy. Worse, still, some are trying to bully the rest of us into believing that an opposition to President Obama’s policy constitutes racism. It’s a preposterous proposition, of course, but, as the days go by, and more and more folks, from Sharpton to Holder posit it, more folks will come to believe it. That’s what the administration is counting on, in any event. And, at the risk of sounding conspiratorial, the administration has Oprah on its side. She has made headlines lately because of a trip to Switzerland during which she walked into a store and asked to see a purse worth thirty eight-thousand dollars. The clerk, she reports, wouldn’t show her the purse because of the color of her skin. Oprah and the clerk have both apologized, but the

damage, on both sides, is done. The clerk was a snob apparently, and Oprah, obviously was black. The question is, does Oprah’s desire to tell the world about her recollection of what happened do anything to advance her standing as a role model? Assuming that the account of the story is correct (and both Oprah

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by Will Anderson

and the clerk have issued apologies, so such an assumption is reasonable,) what has been gained? Some say that Oprah’s experience proves that racism still exists. I say that Oprah would have helped race relations by keeping the story to herself. She can be denigrated by those who still live in the

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1860’s, but no one can rob her of her success—

and it’s come through diligence, hard work, and persistence. Why, then, would she want to tell a story that discourages young African-American women who want to succeed? The answer lies in the words that she spoke in 2008, when Obama was first elected. “Take all your energy, and put it in Barack Obama,” she said on Larry King. And she did. It probably didn’t make a difference in his election, but she believed in him, as surely that she complains to Americans that one clerk in Switzerland proves that the planet is still racist. Racism still exists, of course—especially if one has enough money to travel to Switzerland to experience it.

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Horse Whispering

The Last Dance In the ordinary days of tender care and meaningful companionship, Arianna, my chestnut, Morgan mare, grew old. People ask me, “How long does a horse live?” My response is, “Until they die.” There are variables connected with each horse and the longevity and quality of their lives. This extraordinary horse graced my life with her presence for twenty-three years! Oh, how she taught me to get involved with life, even when life gets unbalanced. She had been named Arianna before coming into my life. Unknown to the human, she gave this beautiful filly the name that means, “full of grace.” This mare lived up to her name. In the years we were together not one person came off of her back. She was so sensitive

to each mount. If the person was unbalanced, she worked with them in a way they could learn and be safe; offering a dance card to a graceful, centered ride. Morning chores were complete and all was well. On the agenda for the day was washing the white vinyl fence. That afternoon, Arianna walked up to the east fence and got my husband’s attention. She had access to a paddock, her stall in the barn with a fan, and pasture time. She got to choose. This was the geriatric care we offered her. My husband got my attention and I joined Arianna in the pasture at the fence. Her eyes were soft. She was peaceful. She also was dying. I asked her if she would walk with me. My intention was to go together to the barn. Slowly we walked. She carefully planted each

by Deb Kitchenmaster

hoof when crossing the one ditch that was before us. After crossing, she stopped. Face to face, eyes to eyes, breath to breath, I looked at her and said, “This is it, isn’t it? You’re dying.” You can see it coming, you can know some day in the back of your mind, yet, when it is right smack dab in the moment, it just seems surreal.

for prayer! When I said “Amen,” she walked gently from my presence and nibbled at some hay. She welcomed prayer!

In that moment there was a silent equine language that flowed between us. I knew she had purposefully honored me with the deliberate choice to connect one more time. She blessed me with an intimate, tender “good bye.” I spoke some words to her and began praying. A memory surfaced in my mind. When she was in labor with her first foal she returned to me time and time again until I understood ‘that look.’ She was asking

I cried grateful, thankful, cleansing tears. Not one tear was of regret but gratitude, for this horse’s acceptance remains one of my earliest memories of belonging.

Her hind right leg began to tremble and I sensed all her life force culminating together. She dropped to the ground and I dropped with her. She took her last breath.

Arianna, full of grace, brought to me an understanding of acceptance and a freedom to love myself. Not once did she judge me or compare me to anyone or anything. She let me honestly know how I was at any given moment on my leadership and I welcomed her honesty! Each horse had some time to come and say goodbye before her burial. She honored us, we honored them. Goodbyes make sense in the sorrow. Disappearing doesn’t.

elation speaks of “...heaven standing open and before me was a white horse, whose rider is faithful and true.” When I cross over into heaven, I will hug my dear friend one more time. I will swing upon her back if that’s okay with her. Thank you for leaving your hoof prints on my soul, Arianna. Thank you, Abba Father, for bringing her into my life. She has helped me to see You more clearly. She has brought an awareness of Christ in me, the hope of glory. Your NEIGHbor, Deb Kitchenmaster Corral Connections: Connecting with LIFE through a horse Animal B.E.S.T practitioner dkitchenmaster@mchsi.com

Some people do not believe there are animals in heaven. I don’t see it that way. The book of Rev-

Arianna sticking out her tongue

Arianna.....great grace is a bridge that leads you home

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The View From The Bridge

Did You Say Homework?

by Jackie Warner

Jackie Warner

apply for them throughout high school no matter how minimal the amount. It all adds up!

Community Outreach “Impact, Engage, Grow” Community Matters

Calling All Parents of 9th – 12th Graders: I have a homework assignment for you. At some point you do want your children to leave home right? I thought so! Many of you will have students heading back to school in a few weeks and now is the time to make sure they are heading in the right direction for a successful future. Parental involvement and guidance makes a huge difference for your child. What your child does now or doesn’t do will impact how they will live tomorrow, and if you desire for your child to live well, then start taking some notes. Planning today is the key to a brighter future for your child and for your sanity down the road. Parents and Guardians, here are valuable homework assignments for you and your children that will help with jump starting their successful future. 1. Parents, be your child’s greatest cheerleader and coach, but remember they are in the driver’s seat. You can assist, but allow them to be accountable for their future. 2. Make sure your child is taking courses that are challenging; review your child’s schedule, make changes if necessary and monitor their progress often; this will help when

8. Take College Entrance Exams including the ACT and SAT multiple times.

9. Apply for Financial Aid. 10. Volunteer, Volunteer, Volunteer! 11. Network, Network, Network! taking college entrance exams for admission. 3. Have your child research and investigate career options; allow your child to job shadow and complete a career assessment to assist with areas of interest and ability.

DSST Policies; Schedule assessments to earn college credit while in high school. Surprisingly, you can save an average

of $900 per college class. Start taking assessments as early as 10th Grade. 7. Research college scholarships options and

Until next time, be sincere, kind, and intentional. Jackie Warner, Career Development Facilitator

4. Have the serious financial talk with your child about affordable and realistic college choices. Discuss what your family contribution will be and what is expected of your child. Example: suggesting your child obtain a part-time job to help with college expenses. 5. Visit college campuses; start as early as 9th grade and check out available summer programs and camp options; this may help you to determine if this is the right choice for college. Make sure they have the major or program of study you are seeking prior to enrolling. 6. Review college Clep &

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Medical Update

How To Prepare For Pregnancy

by Oliver E Carolta, MD Why is it important to prepare for pregnancy?

of vitamins because they can be harmful.

You probably won’t know you are pregnant for the first three to four weeks. By then, you baby is already forming major organs and structures. Some medicines, illnesses, or bad habits (like smoking or drinking alcohol) can affect your baby before you even know you are pregnant. To be safe, you should act like you are already pregnant before you try to get pregnant.

Do I need to change my diet?

Should I take vitamins? Taking 400 micrograms of folic acid (a B vitamin) every day before you become pregnant and during early pregnancy helps prevent birth defects of the brain and spinal cord. It is safe to take a daily multivitamin tablet. Avoid high doses

You should eat a balanced diet with foods rich in folic acid, such as green leafy vegetables, broccoli, oranges, and bananas. Your diet should also include enough iron and calcium. Do not drink more than two cups of coffee or six glasses of tea or soda per day. Try to reach a healthy weight before pregnancy. Women who are very overweight or underweight may have more problems with pregnancy.

What else should I avoid? You should avoid toxic substances and chemicals at work and at home. Smoking cigarettes increases your risk for miscarriage or having a baby with a low birth weight. Alcohol and illegal drugs such as cocaine, marijuana, and heroin can cause birth defects or other problems in your baby. Do I need any immunizations? If you are not immune to rubella, you will need a booster shot of MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) at least one month before you get pregnant. If you have never had chickenpox, you should have two injections of this vaccine at least one month before pregnancy. You may need the series of three hepatitis B vaccines if you have not

had them before. A flu shot is also recommended for pregnant women, usually between October and December. What if I have health problems? If you take any medications regularly, ask your doctor if you can take them when you are pregnant. If you have diabetes, hypertension, asthma, or epilepsy, the conditions should be well controlled before pregnancy. See your doctor. Get a checkup from your doctor before you try to get pregnant. Your doctor will ask you and the baby’s father about your medical and family histories. You can discuss your pregnancy plans with your doctor and ask questions.

Dr. Oliver Carlota has been in practice in Athens, AL since 1998. He was the first in the Athens area to perform global endometrial ablations for the treatment of menorrhagia. He has been performing Novasure endometrial ablations since 2004, and has also added Hydrothermablation to his treatment armamentarium. “With proficiency in both of these procedures, I feel that I can treat nearly all cases of menorrhagia without the need for hysterectomy. These are safe, effective procedures with minimal discomfort and minimal down time. Many patients claim it was the best decision they ever made.” For more information, contact Carlota Ob-Gyn, P.C. at (256) 233-3100.

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August 16 - September 5, 2013

Security Savvy

New Trends In The Security Industry

by Jim Doyle, owner of Madison Security Group

When you think of a security officer, you probably picture a guard at a warehouse or walking through a mall, or maybe one standing post at the gate of your employer. While those still are some of the basic duties of a private security force, there are many other duties and responsibilities often overlooked by the general public. As the industry continues to grow, private security can now be found doing much more than guarding a cold factory at three in the morning.

The use of private security forces to provide traditional physical security for construction sites, apartment complexes, office buildings, and other assets that need guarding continues to drive the growth of the private security industry, but so does a new breed of non-traditional services being requested by businesses who once provided the service internally, or not at all.

A recent security business seminar led by Rick McCann, founder and CEO of Private Officer International, gave security company owners insight into 15 new areas of security industry growth, and included the tools and marketing methods to approach the expanding market and to capture those non-traditional contracts.

provide DOT drug testing for ship personnel, and then to provide security protection services for the vessel and cargo while in port,” McCann added. An all around service provider is what today’s client is seeking.

There are also twenty six states that authorize security officers with special police authority, and in those states, security officers often issue tickets, make arrests and serve summones. A number of small towns have also contracted security agencies to patrol their town, respond to non-emergency calls for service, and provide emergency medical services.

seeking.” Some of the new growth services that McCann spoke of in the seminar included providing onsite drug and alcohol testing, accident re-creation, and reporting for industrial accidents, slips and falls, and traffic collisions occurring on private property. Other services that are also being requested include traffic and parking enforcement, lifeguards, and other public safety oriented services not normally provided by

contract security firms. McCann points to Auburn University as a great example of unusual extended services that clients are seeking. Auburn officials hired a Montgomery, Alabama based security agency to enforce curfews for their football team members during the season, and to escort them back to their dorms when found in violation of those curfews.

a contract that a company in Louisiana has to provide drug dogs to sweep ship containers and vessels and

Many companies now are looking to outsource a number of their services, and to do it under an “umbrella” contract with one provider.

“Another great example is

“We’ve pushed the limits of the normal uniform security services,” McCann said, and “now it’s time to fill the gaps of security related but non-traditional services that many businesses are

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Jerry’s Journal

Voodoo

by Jerry Barksdale

Editor’s note: By his own admission, Jerry likes to write things that are “edgy.” This article most definitely is that, and my advice is, “Jerry, my friend, ditch the doll!” Recently, while searching through storage for old files, I discovered my long forgotten voodoo doll. I opened the lid on the brown, handcarved, shoe-box size coffin and looked inside. A black, ragdoll with beady black eyes stared back at me. Ahh, the memories. I had purchased the doll from a witch doctor in Jamaica while there in 1995 researching a legal thriller I was writing. The novel is peopled with lazy lawyers, tyrannical judges, cheating wives, beautiful women, crooked attorneys, drug kingpins, a contract killer, sex and voodoo – the usual trash that folks love to read. Having handled hundreds of divorce cases I was familiar with lazy lawyers and cheating wives, but didn’t have a clue about voodoo.

All that I knew came from watching old black and white movies as a kid. They pulled off chicken heads and danced around in a trance. Pretty scary. On the other hand, I’d seen Mama wring a chicken’s neck many a time. When I was thirteen years old and living at Madison Crossroads, I snuck into a “Holy Roller” brush arbor meeting and saw the Holy Ghost jump on a woman and wrestle her to the ground. That was scary too. When it comes to religion, everyone has their own belief system. Locating and interviewing a witch doctor in Jamaica wasn’t easy. But, as the saying goes, “money talks.”

the asphalt ended, and we bumped up a rutted dirt road that cut through the jungle. Native women carrying large stalks of bananas on their head walked alongside the road. Finally, we stopped near several tin shacks.

picious at first, but after explaining that I was a writer and wanted to interview him about my novel, he loosened up. While we talked, several pigs and chickens wandered through the room. A rooster crowed nearby.

“Stay here mon,” the driver said. “I go talk to witch doctor.”

An off-duty employee at our hotel agreed to drive my wife, Pat and I into the jungle to find a voodoo priest. As we drove higher into the mountains

The driver motioned for us to come. We were escorted inside a tin shack with a dirt floor and introduced to the witch doctor. He was very sus-

He explained that voodoo dolls can be used for both good and bad. I think I understood. Sometimes I use prayer that way. Most of the time I pray that God will deliver good things like helping others, healing the sick and feeding the hungry. However, there have been times when I asked God for selfish things like winning the lottery and hitting at Blackjack. Of course, he wasn’t listening and I lost.

People were staring at us. Pat, who didn’t like the idea from the outset, was getting paranoid. “I’m scared!” “They wouldn’t waste a pot of water cooking you,” I joked. “What’s me?”

wrong

with

“You’re too tough.”

Following my first divorce, I prayed that God would send a good and beautiful woman into my life who would love

me. A woman showed up, and we married, but now I’m not sure who sent her. There could have been interference in my prayer transmission. After we separated I prayed every night, “Lord, please heal my wife’s heart and bring us back together.” Then I received a letter from her greedy out-of-town lawyer demanding a divorce and $70,000-ayear alimony. I started praying in the other direction. “Lord please get this greedy hussy out of my life… and without alimony.” So, I fully understood what the witch doctor meant about voodoo being used to work both sides of the street. The witch doctor was a poor fellow, so I purchased a voodoo doll as a souvenir. “You get your own needles, mon,” he said. I guessed that hat pins were scarce in Jamaica. He tossed in a free bottle of oil and “Magic Sex Potent” that he concocted from roots. He also gave me written instructions on how to cast a spell with the voodoo doll. I like the one, “how to get rid of someone.” I have a greedy out of town lawyer in mind. Then there is one on how to get a woman. That looks promising. I think I’ll take a slug of the magic potent and see what happens. Will someone lend me hat pins?

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